Nelson Sullivan's BBC interview on New York City's West Side

In this video shot during his interview with the BBC, Nelson Sullivan describes life on the West Side piers and the beauty that could be found there.

[@420edu8]

Awesome attitude," everything is here because, I am",, a Nelson quote

[@auntemmyd1604]

That whole scene is Magic!

[@teeniebeenie8774]

@@auntemmyd1604 his love of them piers and that sunset, brings a tear to ones eye....

[@auntemmyd1604]

teenie beenie I could listen to Nelson Talk all Day!

[@dianv2218]

@@teeniebeenie8774 He was enthusiastic, and really appreciative - Great quality!

[@lillyrocks2011]

He was so in love with New York city.

[@phillgreenland2390]

New York was easy to love back then.

[@JohnDoe-ov9fh]

@@phillgreenland2390 Damn right it was , and the dope was so much pure and cheaper

[@mariaager1924]

@@teeshark6584 yes, and everyone seemed to have loved him too

[@TheDJjems]

This is amazing as if he's talking to his subscribers.

[@darthdennis6681]

Because...HE IS!!!

[@starmoon1590]

Jems Meneses it's like...timeless ..as each year passes..these videos have coded one liners.."when you're trying to run your mouth, it's FORCED"?

[@mariaager1924]

He is. He just didn’t know when. ❤️

[@owen7185]

That's a great point. I think that's why we all cannot stop watching. Its real, not "reality tv real" . He's a natural and interesting person. I would have liked to have spoken to the him

[@loudog8105]

I got that same notion a couples of videos ago. Especially on his last video entry.

[@dansimpson9214]

The more I watch the sadder I get that he died so young. He truly loved New York and was a beautiful hearted man. R.I.P. Nelson ❤️

[@starmoon1590]

Dan Simpson--- In paradise...there he shall be.

[@michaelking475]

What did he die of

[@dansimpson9214]

@@michaelking475 he had a heart attack on July the 4th with his good friends RuPaul and Lady Bunny by his side. 😢

[@michaelking475]

@@dansimpson9214 he seemed slim and healthy! Was is it because of drugs?

[@dansimpson9214]

@@michaelking475 no not at all as far as I’m aware he didn’t do drugs and had quit smoking as well.

[@memorymalunga670]

He's so upbeat, excited & lively in this clip. You can tell he was excited to speak about his beloved NYC.

[@memorymalunga670]

He loved life, so much. Such a beautiful mind. Beautiful soul.💟

[@starmoon1590]

Memory Malunga ...Really one in billions....he had an unbelievable energy too in his presence... incredibly divine.

[@margitouma6172]

True pioneer. He would have loved the 21st century. RIP

[@J1gtbfanpage]

He left us a unique treasure with his videos especially this one . We are there right now with him on the west side highway , he is alive and we are in 1987🙏❤

[@jonnie2bad]

he's so happy in this video i love it. When he lovingly recalls the sounds of dogs pissing on the wooden piers lol.

[@EphemeralProductions]

So funny! :) ❤️

[@bsteele593]

I burst our crying when hen showed the towers. Still so fresh as if it just happened. It’s been 19 years.

[@skelter1153]

Hen's don't really live very much past 8 or 9 years old. Here's a quote from Wikipedia: "The average Hen may live for 5-10 years, depending on the breed." And that is rare because most Chickens that are Hatched usually wind up on the Dinner Table. It's actually kind of sad.

[@anon9145]

@@skelter1153 Fried chicken. 🤤

[@grapeape888]

kids today think 9/11 was an inside job and any claims to the contrary are bigoted. The rage lives only in those of us over 30.

[@kyostikeranen5791]

Nice to see Nelson smiling in this video.. Usually he was a little serious.

[@teamcrumb]

he just never really raised the corners of his mouth when he spoke

[@heartstruth6875]

Such a beautiful human being inside and out ☺

[@cesarcueto1995]

I understand why people like it when you smile but I don't understand when people force others to smile. How obnoxious

[@chrism.2711]

I think this is the happiest I've ever seen him in any video

[@taylorlambert40]

Nelson created the term “no fucks given” .. he created vlogging.. dude was legit a pioneer and had no clue what he was recording was going to be watched 30 years later by so many people. His life up until his death was a time capsule

[@en6278]

pretty sure he didnt invent either but go with that if it suits you. many were experimenting with videos & filming stuff in early 80s. In LGBTQ world ths guy is one of the most known but theres other cultures out there that you dont notice. Just like most heterosexuals will not know of this guys work. You need remember this is subculture. This guy wasnt even vlogging so maybe learn what it means first. Google is there. No fucks given was not his invention either. stop making shit up. If you google(again) youll learn Not giving a fuck was slang in 1920s so its clearly been around decades before Nelson.

[@jasonbontrager6129]

I just said that yesterday to my wife of 22 years man. We are MAGA Republicans and I’m a Proud Boy member never gonna change or apologize. We been lied about and besmirched just as the gays had been done in the late 70’s and early 80’s when I was a boy

[@Michele_78]

He smiles more in this video than I've seen him smile in all the others. So sweet.

[@FubarMike]

Nelson's vlogs are almost on point with what we would expect from a vlogger today. I almost expect him to say like comment and subscribe at the end of the video.

[@caroldesarnoNeNe45]

Great Comment....!! Made Me Smile.....!!😊 Thank You Nelson.... For Vlogging an Capturing NYC...!!..

[@astralfluxaf]

Wow… Nelson is always mind blowing.

[@nickvogiatzis9723]

So ahead of his time!

[@shirlzafarmand348]

RIP Nelson....such a kind soul

[@Leonlavoe1973]

God bless you Nelson, as a life long New Yorker and still holdin the fort down, I love this New York I was in. My early teens back then. Man I miss that place that once was. Mayor Koch in my opinion was a greet mayor, I used to see him go to the gym in later years. New York was full of wonderful characters.!

[@mrmikeyd2]

Nelson is so wonderful and NYC was so wonderful THEN

[@deborahmontgomery2812]

One of my favorites! Nelsons captivating approach to his art is timeless, his wit, candor, foresight and determination is a pleasure to experience. Each time I watch one of his videos, I catch something different. This particular day may have been an exhausting one, yet he made it flow beautifully.

[@davidbustamante3816]

Love you Nelson!

[@avalondreaming1433]

David Bustamante me too! Clap board, clap board clap board. Love it, go Nelson

[@sanyatferdous1043]

WOW!!!! This video is very timeless. He's pretty much making a selfie Vlog like most people are doing nowadays... He also mentioned the future president getting off the helicopter. The West-side was totally different back then. It was too vacant back then, but now it's pretty much congested with high-rises and recreational parks. Also nice view of the original WTC. But, sadly both this guy and the original WTC are gone now. Which makes this video pretty much eerie, but also it is indeed timeless.....

[@zzzboo290]

I wish trump was gone instead.

[@EchoRider515]

@@zzzboo290 Yaaasss! Ugh... Trump 😖

[@auntemmyd1604]

Breaks my heart when he speaks about The World Trade Center! Also to know this was Nelsons last Winter!!!

[@AndrewsArchives]

"When you're trying to run your mouth, it really is forced" - epic quote

[@LisaMarie-xp4ym]

He’s not worried about being hit by anything because he’s a time traveller and they are invincible and phase in and out of timelines, blending in. He’s probably 50 years in the future now showing the people there how to do it, introducing and inspiring new ways on how to capture time and experiences! Xx

[@tring-aling-ahim-bahoo-lah6378]

"you want me to look at that camera or this camera? Should I look at both cameras? ...I'll just look at my camera" lmao gotta love Nelson's sassy attitude

[@Lovely_1One]

“And now my battery is about to die..” sounds like my kids talking about their phone and tablet in 2022. Lol just wow! This man was one of a kind. Something how history repeats itself. And then the gal in the red bubble jacket with the sweatpants on is wearing an entire outfit my tween daughter would wear today! This is so amazing. Even though I was 5 years old during the filming of this, it’s amazing to see footage of people NOT on tv but being filmed with a camcorder just being themselves. Nothing extra the way they are today for social media. 😢❤

[@knowledgeispowermediaprodu7094]

Everything is here, because I am. -Nelson You are still here with us brother, 30 years later. Rest in peace.

[@420edu8]

Nelson lives on and on and on and on and on,,so glad,,rest little buddy,,rest in peace

[@edmundpower1250]

I thought you said he lives on and on...make your mind up

[@420edu8]

Edmund Power what part do you not get,,? ??,yes he lives on and on,,,a continuous, ,,,on and on,,,get it now,,,,, next time you see your mom or dad punch him right in the face for raising such a stupid child if my children were as stupid as you I would have drowned them at Birth

[@edmundpower1250]

How can he live on and then in the same sentence you say "rest in peace" make your mind up ...which is it???

[@420edu8]

Edmund Power I can't believe your that stupid,,,living on and on is figuratively speaking,,,and rest in peace is respect for someone who passed on,,,,now he still lives in everyone's memory, ,,,get it fool,,,now after you poop,,,you wipe your butt,,wash your hands,,,after someone does something nice for you,,,you say thankyou,,,anything else need be explained? ??,because you obviously don't get the simple things in life,,

[@420edu8]

Edmund Power I've come to the conclusion, ,,,your just stupid

[@MySugarWallz]

6:13 - 6:27 is very touching.

[@jennytaylor4165]

This is the most animated and in his element I've yet seen this somewhat mysterious, phlegmatic man. That said, I have much more to discover. Probably only watched about 5-10% of his work thus far. Such a great smile when he lights up.

[@AniLehem]

It's unbelievable how this area changed over the years, New York was really in shambles back then. But he saw the magic to the place

[@eliazmarlin1122]

Nelson is so good of a looker..

[@rubydawn1]

he has the kindest eyes

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

There was an authenticity to NY at the time so gritty and real. By the 70's 500K jobs left the city, people were moving to the suburbs, crime was becoming rampant, the city bankrupt, police and fire laid off tons of people, the subway was the most dangerous place on Earth setting the stage for the 80's. But Nelson looked at the city like it was the most beautiful place on Earth. One wonders what he'd think of NYC in the here and now.

[@gothicheart8086]

Rembrandt van Rijn I agree - worked at 1515 Broadway before Times Square was sanitized & “ Disneyfied” ; West 8th st when it was lined with a lot of funky boutiques ; lived in Bushwick before it was gentrified and hipsterfied. I miss it ...

[@avrildawn8937]

Everything is here cause I am 👏🏻 when your trying to run your mouth everything is forced ... love you Nelson that’s why you were genuinely kind

[@donnix6931]

Gothic Heart I would have loved to visit New York City when it was still real and raw before the corporate gentrification , my dad went there on business in 1989 and I remember when he got back home to Chicago(an amazing American metropolis in its own right) and he was talking about the sun reflecting off of buildings in mAnhattan in the early evening, it was so real and words could not really do it justice he said.

[@thelcpltype2750]

Kinda like gotham city

[@EphemeralProductions]

In the 1980s New York was still gritty and the New York everyone thinks about when they think about New York. Not anymore, from what I’ve heard and seen

[@soundlemonade]

The more I watch these videos of Nelson's, the more I start to wonder if he was some sort of unintentional Nostradamus and/or time traveller.

[@darlingtonboobam4107]

Wow Nelson has a beautiful smile...his face changes from cuteness to a bright cuteness

[@CaptchaNeon]

*It’s funny Nelson thought that was a lot of traffic, if he only could see NYC now*

[@drewdudy]

Thats cool when he had the plane on his finger. He's really precise with his camera. Amazing for back then.

[@vanblaricom5]

It would be interesting to watch the interview recorded for the BBC. They probably have it somewhere in their archives.

[@jdog7979]

At the one minute mark. That's the first time I've heard him laugh like that in hours of footage. He was really stoked about being interviewed by BBC. Probably one of the highlights of his life. I would love to see the interview if anyone has it. So happy to see him as happy as he is in this video. Wish he was still around. 😢

[@drewwhy5541]

What a amazing man. Thank you Nelson thanks for all you did for us ❤

[@retrokungfu3535]

This is american history god bless you and god bless america

[@briankelly85]

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance...

[@stevenodonnell6718]

He was so ahead of his time 👌🏽 What a talent ⭐️ Shame he was taken to soon. “Under strange surcoms🤐☠️”

[@Matthew-tv8fn]

You can tell Nelson got nervous when the other camera came on. He started talking faster.

[@annother3350]

It's hard to stay natural. They wanted him to talk loud, spin the other way...

[@jillkoerber5192]

Oh Nelson💔💔💔 so full of love and life. So not fair 😭

[@Nmskull]

We love you Nelson 😔

[@Litheas]

He was so ahead of his time... Look at 0:47 how he points on the World Trade Center (btw I'm glad he didn't live through the tragedy in 2001) from the preview screen of the camera. He must have had the best camera out there considering this clip was shot in - I think - 1988 or 1989. The best tech. He plays again with the preview screen at 2:02. It's a small detail but back then to have this was unbelievable.

[@edunn73]

Only if Nelson lived long enough to see his friends become famous and his videos become Reality TV. He was so ahead of times.

[@asdffeefff]

Where can i watch this BBC interview?

[@heartstruth6875]

Me too

[@wesleydewijs7829]

I found a clip of the interview in one of Nelson's video's: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWauXoVmp65niac

[@qy05]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4KYpKV-fbqNjLs

[@fashionistalagerfeld1954]

Nelson was ahead of his time . I love the way he speaks , like a gentleman.

[@EphemeralProductions]

He was so cute and funny. 🥰🥰❤️❤️

[@kenderson3117]

this shit is so cool

[@DennisAlexioAndyHug]

2:12 THIS IS A TIME TRAVELER

[@jesamani75]

He’s filming the crew filming him ,genius.

[@topazrain]

He mentions the WTC if he only knew what happened to it!

[@williammccoll5563]

The bus that killed Nelson was in his heart, I still cant believe he died of a heart attack. I guess it happens but it sucks.

[@fashionistalagerfeld1954]

William McColl he had the gene that is past down for heart attacks , he was so young . People that did coke back then thought it was a safe drug . But a lot of people are suffering from the drug today from doing cocaine that many years ago .,

[@rg7846]

@@fashionistalagerfeld1954 i heard it was aids that eventually got the best of him. 80s gay in NY. but those were just rumors nothing official. in his bio just say heart attack ..doesnt say why. heart disease, enlarge heart, blood pressure etc.

[@fashionistalagerfeld1954]

William McColl hi William ... I heard that he did coke ... but back then there were a lot of people that did coke.... I remember people saying it would not hurt u and coke was a safe drug ... they didn’t know much about the side affects back then ... doing coke affects the heart , it weakens it . So I believe that it was a heart attack from doing the coke. I never heard the rumor of him having aids .

[@fashionistalagerfeld1954]

I happened to be watching one of Sullivan’s videos the day before he died , it was a holiday weekend . He came out of his house with his dog and a friend . He asked his friend to walk the dog instead of him . They were having bar b q In the back yard later that day . But anyway I looked at him in the video and I immediately saw in his face that he just didn’t feel good . He looked very bad and his face was really pale .... and his eyes ... I just noticed it right away . If he felt like he didn’t feel well why didn’t he go to the emergency room . It really upsets me that he didn’t. I wonder if any of his friends that day noticed how he looked . But then again u can’t make people do what they don’t want to do .

[@fashionistalagerfeld1954]

Rafael Gonzalez thank you for telling me that . I didn’t know about the aids . So many people died from this dreadful disease aids. RIP Sullivan. You are missed and you were ahead of your time.

[@TheVelvetLoungeLife]

He was so stoked, erie mentioning the scourge Trump, the BBC didn't know they were filming the future and the pioneer king of vlogging.

[@silverwind7627]

2:05 Nelson making a commentary about an helicopter of Humpty Dumpty Trumpy passing by in the sky, AND pointing it flawlessly (no screen or monitor on his camera) for his future subscriber is amazing and fascinating to me. The camera really became an extension of his body and his spirit!

[@bigtex9836]

Fjb

[@JohnS-il1dr]

8:24 the only time I saw him smile. I wish he was here now

[@Moecherrie]

I feel like I kno him....lol R.I.P. Nelson

[@MartyrLoserKing]

He was so elated to be filmed by others for once.

[@jambutty2218]

Times have changed. People drive at you and it feels like they are trying to hit you. Maybe it’s a UK thing, but I imagine the States is worse. Will take a pilgrimage to NewYork one day. 🇬🇧

[@ritarewards]

Vlogging was a weird thing then to many! That Trump comment was funny🤣.

[@NaturalBeauty214]

He just seems like he is from the future... like, even ahead of our time as if he's time traveling to the past

[@Mr_Sev]

“When you’re trying to run your mouth, it really is forced.” Table reserved for Nelson 2016-2020

[@garyenwards1608]

there it was nelson there it was

[@skym4275]

Love seeing the towers. Rip Nelson and the towers.

[@XxSoulStealer1997xX]

No one was looking down at their phones while driving. Doing that today, even in a small city, would be a death sentence.

[@ninosawbrzostowiecki1892]

Interesting dude.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

"Where else is there but New York?"

[@amyyngsdal8982]

2021, now people would run into you! New York is my FAVORITE city in the world, but people will run you over, and keep going!. (In ANY city) RIP NELSON. ✌❤

[@NihilismDystopia]

This guy did a great service showing old school New York,when it was seedy/gritty/grafitti/dirty/run down old buildings,which gave it character,it had whole different atmosphere back then, than today,I know he's gone ,that's sad,he was very smart /cool guy,the New York of 80's ,is far gone nowadays,the New York of 2010's is nothing like the New York of 80's these people wouldn't be able to live in the way overpriced apts ,now wouldn't have creative/ artist and bohemian types are unable to live in New York nowadays with high rents,so theses guys in his video's if it was as expensive as it is now,probably wouldn't have happen,he was in right time/space/era,to do this,thank goodness,time capsule of old New York,2010's New York is sterile/boring/too clean/disneyisk/expensive nowadays,nothing like 80's .

[@tomjones7089]

Outstanding American. 🇺🇸

[@pablom7213]

All.of that now is the west side piers surrounded by million dollar condos back then the city was a dirty dusty grimy diamond. Before the money took over and everything became real estate. People back then moved from the south and mid west to ny to be themselves. No judgement in new york city. This was the broken ny but it was so awesome.

[@teeniebeenie8774]

dang he so articulate, he would have had a fab chat show....

[@kayb947]

Trump reference ...little did we know

[@DennisAlexioAndyHug]

For real

[@timsummers870]

He was ahead of his time in every way possible. A vlogger in the late eighties, who would have thought?! The reference to Trump and the World Trade Center were curious to hear in a time like ours.

[@mrmikeyd2]

@@timsummers870 I bet you are under 30.........Donald Trump in the 80's was considered a self promoting casino mogul.....until he went backrupted.....but he was always sort of a joke

[@timsummers870]

@@mrmikeyd2 Not at all. I'm 39 years old and know about his casinos, hotels and other ventures, to include a failed university project. He also considered running for president in 2000 but pulled out before becoming a candidate. Please read my comment again. I didn't say I didn't know about Trump and his endeavors in the 1980s. I meant that it's curious to hear today about two rather "normal" things of the past that eventually became remarkable in this day and age, such as the World Trade Center and Trump.

[@531ff]

mrmikeyd always a joke ? In ‘88 Oprah interviewed him and even suggested he should run for president . Oprah is kind of a joke nowadays so maybe I agree with this more than I initially thought

[@Skaterbun]

Nelson Sullivan the 1st ever KZbinr!...sorry Nelson the dogs pissing on the old rotting pier isn't very BBC lol, did this ever get aired?! Lol

[@dannyespinal9924]

NYC the most beautiful

[@video409]

All of that is now a park

[@wantsomecoffee]

How much he would have hated to see the towers fall.

[@brucewebb1114]

The trade centers are gone and Donald Trump's the president...how things have changed. Love Nelson.

[@sw_fit50s]

We can only imagine what Nelson would think about that.

[@ravenking1822]

Bruce Webb yes bring politics into this, good job

[@brucewebb1114]

@@ravenking1822I personally can't stand Trump. I was just playing off Nelson's conversation to the camera aka us. I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

[@chrisandyoli]

2:12 potus 4:40 west side piers 7:00 World Trade Center Statue of Liberty

[@enorme72]

it is near Hotel The Jane

[@MartyrLoserKing]

So cynical and sarcastic. I'm not sure many people pick up on it with his mannerisms.

[@EphemeralProductions]

That was just Nelson. lol. Everyone still loved him and still loves him, despite.

[@pablom7213]

Wow all of those buildings have been demolished this doesn't exist anymore.

[@timsummers870]

I love New York but I don't find it particularly "beautiful". I like the "sweet smell of success" that the city breaths and all the things it offers. The place is always happening. Nelson Sullivan was ahead of his time, wasn't he? A vlogger in the late 1980s. Also, the reference to the World Trade Center and Trump was priceless.

[@michelleitaly7457]

Was that George Castanza at 1:08?

[@JoaoMatrix]

Michelle Italy i was about to say the same thing lol

[@DaRealKing303]

Yes it is actually, NO joke

[@thelcpltype2750]

@@DaRealKing303 yall talkin bout that dude from seinfeld

[@kellybaker3496]

😂🤣I swear I said the same thing

[@leodf1]

The guy is over 6 feet tall - 3:11. Besides, he doesn't even look like him. Just having the same hairline doesn't make someone look alike. Smh

[@jameslaumand3686]

Where is she now ahhhaa

[@simonevillafane3781]

BBC impressive !

[@melissaonorati3458]

man why is Nelson turning the camera so much

[@garyh.b.618]

Melissa Onorati I think that's because he's being filmed and directed by someone besides himself, all while trying to do his normal video routine.

[@CaptchaNeon]

Melissa Onorati *He is probably tired from holding that gigantic camcorder*

[@alianbaba9330]

Do you know how heavy those cameras I guess he keeps switching hands

[@420edu8]

Melissa Onorati I think he sniffed a bit because of his big day,,he sniffs a bit ,,not cold like but,,drain like sniff lol,,love you nelson,, I think I'm one of your biggest fans

[@smartfart9003]

He is turning the cam because they're trying to get footage they can use.

[@TheDJjems]

Did casey neistat ever talked about Nelson? That would be interesting.

[@planetX15]

Did who?

[@sussybaka5322]

Although I do acknowledge there was High Crime back in those days and it was far from perfect. I kinda like this NYC better than now, when they cleaned up the city they bleached out it's soul and grit. St Marks, I researched and it used to have an artist soul , now it is overrun by bougie NYU hipster pricks. Man, I like Nelson's NYC better, all you'd need are some master level street smarts and self defense skills and you would be good!!

[@scruffmcruff7986]

I bet his friends got tired of him talking to the camera more than them

[@annother3350]

It seems like it was 20 minutes a day and now people live him for it

[@jaylew8408]

Only the good die young

[@auntemmyd1604]

I wish I knew more about how to do it, a documentary on Nelson is Vastly overdue!!! My Dream is to make a Documentary! Maybe I can get my Shit together and make it! Who is in with me?!!!!

[@tompeled6193]

Me

[@auntemmyd1604]

@@tompeled6193 lets do it

[@tompeled6193]

@@auntemmyd1604 Go ask RuPaul for the docu.

[@auntemmyd1604]

@@tompeled6193 Id love to speak with RuPaul about Nelson! All I can do is Try!

[@iMyThlc]

I'm 30 now was but this guy looks like a 40 year old version of dad lol

[@gwennquagmire3839]

Nelson- was Meta b4 Meta was Meta

[@AlmightyRecoveredAddict187]

must be trump and nirvana coming back from casino in atlantic city lol

[@jiveassturkey8849]

* Ivana. Donald Trump’s now ex-wife. Nirvana was still an underground band at this time, they hadn’t even released their first album yet.

[@jjmcurrain960]

"It's probably Donald Trump and Ivana coming back from SOME CASINO in Atlantic Citayyy or something like that"